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ARTICLE · 23 SEPTEMBER 2026

Accelerated Patent Examination Now Available For Critical Mineral Technologies In Canada

Gowling WLG
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Canada's Intellectual Property Office has introduced a new expedited examination program for patent applications in critical technology areas, including a dedicated stream for innovations related to the processing, extraction, and refining of minerals on Canada's critical minerals list. The program offers accelerated patent examination on a first-come, first-served basis with specific eligibility requirements and annual application limits.

CanadaIntellectual Property
Doak Horne, LLB, P.Eng. (Mech. Eng.)
Doak Horne, LLB, P.Eng. (Mech. Eng.)
Nikolas Purcell
Nikolas Purcell
Mike Myschyshyn
Mike Myschyshyn
Author LinkedIn connections

On September 2, 2026, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) launched its new “Key Technology Expedited Program” (KTEP) pilot. Under the KTEP pilot, CIPO will expedite examination of patent applications relating to key technology streams. This includes a Critical Minerals stream that relates to the processing, extracting, or refining of any one or more of the 34 minerals and metals listed on Canada's critical minerals list.

Under KTEP, CIPO will accelerate the examination and thus possible issuance of Canadian patent applications that relate to this particular “key technology” stream.

CIPO will only, at least as of this date, accept up to 50 eligible requests under the Critical Minerals stream in each calendar year on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the annual limit is reached, no additional requests will be accepted until the following calendar year. 

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